5 Things You Didn't Know About BWI Airport

By Eva Niessner

Planning to get away for your spring break? Maybe you're ready to say goodbye to Maryland's chill and ice and are headed for a sunny and warm destination. (We can't say we blame you!) Or maybe you've got family across the country or overseas that you're finally getting to see. Wherever you're going, we're willing to bet you're going to BWI Airport in order to get there. Before you get there, how about some fun facts about this Maryland hub of transportation?

1. The airport's full name is Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

That's a mouthful! Obviously, this airport serves the Baltimore-Washington area, and it's a busy one. In 2015, it served more than 23 million passengers. The second half of the name honors the first African-American Justice of the Supreme Court, Thurgood Marshall, who was best known for winning Brown v. Board of Education and who was a Baltimore native. The airport was renamed for him twelve years after his death in 1993.

Photo via bwiairport.com

2. BWI doesn't want you to stress

Fying here is a lot healthier and less stressful than at other airports! In 2008, it was ranked the second-healthiest airport in the country, second only to Phoenix. You can spend your layover finding your Zen in the meditation room, or exercise in the Roam gym space. And the airport spa probably won't hurt, if you're worried about turbulence!

3. Heading to Atlanta? You're not alone.

The top destination for travelers leaving BWI is Atlanta, GA -- probably because that's a major hub for other flights! So you're probably going to stop there before you get where you're actually going. (Be sure to bring your friends in Georgia some proper crab cakes and Berger cookies!) Fort Lauderdale, Boston and Orlando are the next-most popular destinations.

4. There's plenty to do besides sitting at the gate!

If you have a lot of time to kill because of a long delay, fear not. You can burn off some of your energy at the BWI hiking and biking trail, or check out the art that's on display all over the airport. There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, too, from the extra casual (there's no shortage of places to grab chicken nuggets) to sit-down spots with oysters and crabs.

Photo via bwiairport.com

5. Want to go international?

BWI offers flights to all kinds of foreign destinations. Catch the Northern Lights in Reykjavik, Iceland, or soak up the sun in Cancun, Mexico. If your French is good, you can hop on a flight to Montreal in Canada, or you can grab a helping of fish and chips in London, England. (Wherever you head, you're going to need your luggage to be properly tagged! A Route One Apparel luggage tag will help your bags stand out on that carousel.)